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Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1, a fish emulsion fertilizer manufactured by Lilly Miller, is a natural source of plant nutrition derived from a blend of seagoing fish. The numbers 5-1-1 are the N-P-K ratio, which indicates the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Alaska Fertilizer 5-1-1 contains 5 percent nitrogen, 1 percent phosphorus and 1 percent potassium, as well as smaller amounts of essential minerals such as calcium, sulfur, magnesium and sodium. Fish fertilizer contains a lower concentration of nutrients than traditionally processed fertilizers, which means the nutrients are released into the soil slowly and the effects last longer.

Outdoor Plants

Rates of application for Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 vary, depending on the type of plant. The manufacturer recommends a mixture of 4 tablespoons in 1 gallon of water. A slightly more dilute solution -- 3 tablespoons per gallon of water -- is recommended for shrubs, berries and perennials. Annuals, bulbs and most vegetables benefit from a solution of 2 tablespoons of fish emulsion per gallon of water; however, root vegetables do best with a more diluted mix of 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon of water, which is the same solution used for herbs and outdoor container plants. Use a weak solution of 1 teaspoon per gallon when transplanting seedlings or bedding plants into the garden. Apply diluted fish emulsion to outdoor plants, including container plants, every three to four weeks throughout the growing season -- generally from spring to late summer or early autumn.

Indoor Plants

Use a diluted solution of 1 teaspoon of Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 per quart of water for flowering plants and small indoor plants, increasing to 2 teaspoons per quart for large indoor plants. Feed indoor plants every 10 to 14 days while plants are actively growing in spring and summer, withholding fertilizer during fall and winter. Always water plants immediately after feeding. Although fish emulsion is relatively mild, it can still scorch sensitive plants.

Modes of Application

Once Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 is mixed, you can apply it using any convenient means of application. If you want to use fish emulsion as a foliar spray applied directly to the leaves, you can use a pump sprayer, which can be set to provide a fine spray or coarse drops. You can also use a hose-end sprayer. Often, hose-end sprayers come with a dial that you can set to dilute the product according to label recommendations. A small spray bottle works well for indoor plants. If you prefer to apply the fertilizer to the soil or potting mix, you can use a bucket, but a watering can is the easiest way to apply the fertilizer evenly. Shake the container occasionally to keep the solution evenly blended.

Fishy Aromas

Often, fish fertilizer leaves a strong fishy odor, which can be especially unpleasant when the fertilizer is used on indoor plants. Although the aroma dissipates in a day or two, using the fertilizer outdoors can attract neighborhood cats and dogs, as well as raccoons and other uninvited guests. However, the manufacturer of Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 claims that the product, which is deodorized with wintergreen oil, is nearly odorless and any remaining aroma will not linger.

Safety Guidelines

Because fish emulsion fertilizer is mild and breaks down slowly, it is less likely to scorch leaves than chemical fertilizers are. However, the fertilizer can still damage plants. Be sure Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 is diluted according to label recommendations. Never fertilize plants during hot afternoons or when the sun is directly on the plant. Store the fertilizer in a cool, dry area and be sure the container is safely out of reach of children and pets. Ingesting fish emulsion may cause nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Use eye protection when spraying fish fertilizer because the spray can cause redness, burning and irritation. Always wash your hands immediately after applying the fertilizer.

About the Author

M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.